Cord blood banking is a new and emerging field in the biosciences industry, which has helped to make outstanding breakthroughs in stem cell research.

Previously, bone marrow transplants were the only way to obtain the stem cells necessary to treat various blood diseases like leukemia and sickle cell disease. Now, patients currently suffering from such conditions can use cord blood stored in cryogenic banks to help restore healthy blood flow and rebuild their immune systems after undergoing chemotherapy.

The process of cord blood banking is simple and pain-free, unlike the collection of bone marrow. After a child is born, their umbilical cord is clamped and cut. From there, the child’s parents can choose to bank the cord blood (a decision which is normally made months in advance). The bank at which the sample will be stored then sends a courier to pick up the sample in a timely manner, who will promptly bring it back to bank for testing and storage.

Parents who choose to bank their child’s cord blood at a family bank will have exclusive use of the sample, whereas those who donate the cord blood to a public bank give up the rights to use it in the future if someone who presents a serious need requires it first. It is entirely up to the parents which decision they choose, so it is important that they obtain ample education on the subject beforehand.